Australian Lady Finger/Ducasse / Pisang Awak Banana (Musa)

A sugar banana and a dwarf variety and tolerate some cold! 

Ducasse variety produces small fruit with an exquisite flavour and fragrance. Texture is creamy and these bananas keep well. Very popular in Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Note that this an Australian Ducasse so it also known as Sugar Banana very sweet tasting banana. 

A particularly vigorous and hardy banana, only grow to 2-3m high at best condition. In subtropical conditions it has tightly packed, small bananas with a light wax bloom. Relatively cool tolerant and vigorous in NZ conditions and relatively productive. Needs extremely good wind protection when young. 

Plant Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, watering deeply especially in warmer months. Reduce watering in cooler months.
• Temperature: Best between 26°C and 30°C. Bananas are not frost-tolerant and require protection or placement in warm climates.
• Light: Full sun is ideal.
• Fertilising: Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as 30-10-10 monthly during the growing season to support vigorous leaf growth. Once the plant starts flowering, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer like 15-5-30 to support fruit development.
• Pruning: Regularly remove dead leaves and spent fruit stalks. Cut back the main fruiting stem after harvest to encourage new growth.
• Mulching: Apply heavy mulch to retain soil moisture, provide nutrients, and suppress weeds.
• Pest Control: Look out for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and nematodes. Use eco-friendly pesticides if necessary.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Each pseudostem will fruit once. Fruit typically matures in about 3 to 8 months, depending on conditions and variety.
• Potting: Suitable for large containers, but requires ample space and meticulous care to manage growth and ensure sufficient nutrients.